An excellent way to become familiar with various parts of the island as well as learn more about the history and culture of the island is to seek out and visit Cozumel's monuments and tributes located throughout the city. So strike out on your own, do this yourself and explore more!

1: Book a rental car since the monuments and landmarks are really spread out. A car will make getting around to see all of them alot easier. Remember, Cozumel is relatively small so circling the island via paved road can take as little as 2 hours or as many as you want depending on how many stops you decide to make along the way!

Monument of Two Cultures
Melgar & Cozumel’s main avenue Rafael Melgar is decorated with several sculptures commemorating events in Cozumel's history. Most notably is the Monument of Two Cultures, also known as the Mestizo Monument. It depicts Gonzalo Guerrero who has become a political and literary icon and has been transformed into a national myth.

Gonzalo Guerrero, a sailor from Spain, and Fray Jerónimo de Aguilar who had taken holy orders in his native Spain, were shipwrecked along the Yucatan Peninsula with their crew and all were taken as slaves by the local Maya. They managed to escape but were captured by other Mayan lords, who also enslaved them. After some time the only survivors were Aguilar and Guerrero. Guerrero assimilated the Mayan culture, learning the language and adopting Mayan ways. He earned his freedom, became a respected warrior under Nachan Kaan, Lord of Chektumal, married his daughter and fathered her three children, which became the first Mestizos. Mestizo is a Spanish term that continues to be used today in Latin America to refer to people of mixed European (Spaniard) and Amerindian ancestry living in the region of Latin America. Aguilar remained true to his priestly vows and refused to form a romantic liaison with any of the attractive girls whom the chief placed at his disposal.

On Holy Cross Day (May 3rd), 1518 an expedition led by Juan de Grijalva landed in Cozumel. During three days the Spaniards circled the island, and the 6th of May, 1518, they found safe harbor next to what is now San Miguel, where they expected to find resistance, but were received in peace, and were surprised to see the first building made of stone in the new world. The islanders traded with the Spaniards, exchanging gold and a variety of goods. The Catholic mass held that day at the beach, currently named Las Casitas (little houses), and is still celebrated by locals every year.

Upon his return to Cuba, Juan de Grijalva brought news about the existence of two Spaniards in the land of the Yucatán. When Hernán Cortés arrived in Cozumel in command of the next expedition in 1519, he sent Guerrero and Aguilar word to join him on the island. Fray Jerónimo de Aguilar did so after a few days, but Gonzalo Guerrero sent word back refusing to return with the Spaniards.

Aguilar spoke to Guerrero, reminding him that he was of Christian faith and should not throw away his everlasting soul for the sake of an Indian woman, but Gonzalo was not to be convinced. Guerrero’s response is inscribed on a plaque at the monument, and the translation is: "Brother Aguilar; I am married and have three children, and they look on me as a cacique (lord) here, and captain in time of war. My face is tattooed and my ears are pierced. What would the Spaniards say if they saw me like this? Go and God's blessing be with you, for you have seen how handsome these children of mine are.” The offspring of Guerrero's union with a Maya were the first of mixed race called "mestizos." Read more about the Meztizos

Francisco de Montejo had joined Grijalva’s expedition and was in command of four ships. After discovering Guerrero’s respected position with the Mayans, Montejo tried to win over Guerrero by sending him a long letter, again reminding him of his Christian faith, offering him his friendship and a complete pardon. Guerrero refused to join his countrymen and furthermore set about organizing the Mayans so that they could defend their land from the Spanish takeover. Guerrero was later killed while fighting on the side of the Indians against the Spaniards.

Cozumel was the first site touched by the army of Hernán Cortés in what is now Mexican territory, becoming the starting point for the conquest of Mexico.

WW II Aztec Eagles Fighter Planes
Over 300 Mexicans served with Allied forces in World War II and some were part of an elite fighter pilot squadron whose planes have been entrusted to Cozumel to serve as a Memorial to those who served.
Read more about the Aztec Eagles

Monuments Tour Stop 3 - Melgar & Calle 10 Norte

Flute Player

Monuments Tour Stop 4 - Melgar & Calle 8 Norte

Carnavaleros Tribute
This monument is dedicated to all of the people who
have contributed and participated in Cozumel Carnaval
throughout the years, making it one of the most popular
Carnaval celebrations in the region. Cozumel Carnaval
(Mardi Gras) is an annual island tradition that dates back
over 135 years. The parade route is here along Melgar
where thousands of Cozumelenos like these will don their
costumes, ride floats and dance in the streets for hours.
If you have never seen Cozumel Carnaval, then make
reservations now and join us for a week long party!

Monuments Tour Stop 5 - Melgar & Calle 4 Norte

Girl's Leap Frog

Monuments Tour Stop 6 - Melgar & Calle 2 Norte

Diver's Memorial

Monuments Tour Stop 7 - Melgar & Calle 1 Sur

Flag Pole Plaza
Many civic events are held here throughout the
year but otherwise not that crowded so it's a
good photo op with the big eagles standing guard.

Monuments Tour Stop 8 - Melgar & Calle 7 Sur

Rafael Melgar Monument

Monuments Tour Stop 9 - Melgar & Calle 11 Sur

Andres Quintana Roo Park
With funding provided by the State in 2008, this park honoring
the State's name sake has been completely re-designed with a
modern contemporary look. As a result, gone are the green grass
soccer fields filled with Cozumel children learning to play the national
sport. Instead the area is 100% cement complete with (band/speaking)
staging areas and plenty of public seating areas. Good place to sit
back and people watch although it won't be of children learning to play soccer.

Monuments Tour Stop 10 - Rafael Melgar & Freight Ferry Pier Road

Captain at the Helm
This bronze is of Captain D. Claudio Canto Anduze
Born May 11, 1884 & Died March 2, 1980
Captain Canto's life revolved around the sea.
Honest, frank and a skilled captain, he
exemplifies the brilliant generation of seamen
that comprised Cozumel in the first half of
the 20th century.

Monuments Tour Stop 11 - Avenida 30 & Calle 35 Sur

Woman with Fruit Basket & Child

Monuments Tour Stop 12 - Avenida 65 & Airport Road

Cozumel Swallows
What better way to end a tour of the memorials and monuments
of Cozumel than with a beautiful bronze of our Island's namesake ~ The Swallows!

Cozumel Jungle ATV Adventure will take you through specially carved out trails through Cozumel's Mayan jungles is just for you, your ATV and nobody else. Let us take you on an adrenaline pumping ATV tour to explore the exotic Mayan jungles of Cozumel Island accompanied by a fully trained and experienced guide.
From US $59 (1 Rider) to US $79 (2 Riders)

Cozumel ATV Snorkel by Boat Adventure combines two (2) of the most popular activities here in Cozumel! You will experience first the off-roading ATV fun on the specially carved out trails through Cozumel's Mayan jungle and then will leave for a breathtaking snorkel adventure in our world-renowned coral reefs
From US $90 (1 Rider) to US $130 (2 Riders)

Come join us for a unique bike tour experience in Cozumel. Our Beach Bum Bikes' tours will take you from the hustle and bustle of downtown to beaches and places of beauty on the island. On these Cozumel bike tours, you can ride a Pedego electric bicycle along a designated tour route that will showcase the best sights along the coast Cozumel has to offer!
US $59 Per Person

Come join us for a unique bike tour experience in Cozumel. Our Beach Bum Bikes' tours will take you from the hustle and bustle of downtown to beaches and places of beauty on the island. On these Cozumel bike tours, you can ride a Pedego electric bicycle along a designated tour route that will showcase the best sights along the coast Cozumel has to offer!
US $89 Per Person

Come check out the available Beach Bum Bikes' Pedego electric bikes available for rent. The best way to tour the island and see our pristine, turquoise, Caribbean ocean with white sand beaches and stunning rock formations or just to get around town during your stay.
From US $20 to US $30 Rentals

Come join us for a unique bike tour experience in Cozumel. Our Beach Bum Bikes' tours will take you from the hustle and bustle of downtown to beaches and places of beauty on the island. On these Cozumel bike tours, you can ride a Pedego electric bicycle along a designated tour route that will showcase the best sights along the coast Cozumel has to offer!
US $39 Per Person

Cozumel Deep Sea Fishing Adventure provides 1/2 day and Full day fishing excursions for the sport fishing enthusiast! Your captain and first mate will take you to the best fishing spots surrounding the island and with five (5) rods and reels going at the same time, you will be sure to catch "THE BIG ONE"!
From US $70 to US $90 Per Person

Cozumel Glass Bottom Boat Snorkel Adventure provides participants a visually stunning view of the world famous Cozumel coral reefs as you are boated to two (2) popular reefs, El Pariaso Reef and Chankanaab Reef. Experience the vibrant colors of our pristine Caribbean waters, the coral and the wide variety of marine life!
US $40 Per Person

We reserved two cruiser bikes in advance through our contacts with Cozumel Insiders. Everything went extremely smoothly with the reservation process and picking up our bikes. The bikes were in good condition, the staff helped us make sure we were 'fitted' properly and provided a lock and helmets. We used the bikes for 5 of the 7 days we were on the island and found it an ideal way to get around town and out to the beaches and snorkel sites.. Cozumel is ideal for cycling as the terrain is so flat. A great alternative for seeing the island. P. Schincariol (March 2016) ~ Toronto, ON CAN

I have only good feedback to give you - we enjoyed Punta Sur a lot, despite the beach being red flagged so no snorkeling - the water was enjoyable for a cool dip and lunch was fantastic! Our guide was very kind and explained a lot to us. The bikes were a lot of fun. A. Fioravantes (March 2016) ~ Albuquerque, NM USA

Hi Martin and thank you for the photos! Dave had a blast on the fishing trip and cannot stop bragging about the fish he caught. Next time he catches one like that, we are cooking it! Javier is a total sweetheart and we will definitely be using him as a resource in the future. D. Corelis (March 2016) ~ Albuquerque, NM USA

Thank you so much, we had a wonderful time at both adventures. Jungle Adventures took great care of us. They went above and beyond to ensure our day was a success. Thanks again to Alex, Javier and family. We also enjoyed Angel Jimenez tour with the snorkeling. Very laid back, not crowded or rushed just an absolutely perfect day!!! And we ate the best conch ceviche at El Cid. We did not have time to visit PalMar but it is on our list for next time. Thanks to all and I will be giving great reviews on trip advisor so if there is a way to work in Cozumel Insider....I will!!! Natalie & Robert (March 2016) ~ Humble, TX USA